Verses 1-11
Jeremiah wept much, yet wished he could weep more, that he
might rouse the people to a due sense of the hand of God. But
even the desert, without communion with God, through Christ
Jesus, and the influences of the Holy Spirit, must be a place
for temptation and evil; while, with these blessings, we may
live in holiness in crowded cities. The people accustomed their
tongues to lies. So false were they, that a brother could not be
trusted. In trading and bargaining they said any thing for their
own advantage, though they knew it to be false. But God marked
their sin. Where no knowledge of God is, what good can be
expected? He has many ways of turning a fruitful land into
barrenness for the wickedness of those that dwell therein.

Verses 12-22
In Zion the voice of joy and praise used to be heard,
while the people kept close to God; but sin has altered the
sound, it is now the voice of lamentation. Unhumbled hearts
lament their calamity, but not their sin, which is the cause of
it. Let the doors be shut ever so fast, death steals upon us. It
enters the palaces of princes and great men, though stately,
strongly built, and guarded. Nor are those more safe that are
abroad; death cuts off even the children from without, and the
young men from the streets. Hearken to the word of the Lord, and
mourn with godly sorrow. This alone can bring true comfort; and
it can turn the heaviest afflictions into precious mercies.

Verses 23-26
In this world of sin and sorrow, ending soon in death and
judgement, how foolish for men to glory in their knowledge,
health, strength, riches, or in any thing which leaves them
under the dominion of sin and the wrath of God! and of which an
account must hereafter be rendered; it will but increase their
misery. Those are the true Israel who worship God in the Spirit,
rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
Let us prize the distinction which comes from God, and will last
for ever. Let us seek it diligently.